HINTS FOR THE AMATEUR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 October 1939, Page 3

HINTS FOR THE AMATEUR

FRUIT, FLOWERS AND VEGETABLES WORK FOR THE WEEK FLOWER GARDEN. Cuttings of perennial plants such as phlox, michaelmas daisy, helenium and pentstemons can be inserted in sandy soil in a frame. If the dahlias have started into growth they may be divided into small portions, each with a good shoot and portion of a tuber attached. When the narcissus flowers are over, spray the foliage to check the activities of the narcissus fly. During dry spells recently planted herbaceous plants should be given water until they are established. t Break up the violets and save the best runners for forming new beds. Greenfly will be troublesome on roses and pansies; spray with nicotine sulphate and soap. Plant outimore gladioli for succession. VEGETABLE GARDEN. Celery seedlings are ready for pricking off into a cold frame; shade from sunshine for a few days. Stir the soil between the rows of seedlings as soon as the green shoots appear above the soil. With the increasing warmth of the soil, seeds sown'during the past week or two will come to life. If onion plants are unprocurable, sow, seed in drills andithin out to a few inches apart. The seed should be sown shallow in fine soil. Sow melons, marrows, pumpkins, cucumbers and squash on prepared mounds, covering with a box and a sheet of glass. Sow peas, red beet, carrots, parsnips and beans for successional crops. FRUIT GARDEN. Spray the peaches and nectarines with lime sulphur one in 120 as soon as the blossom has fallen. Spray the applies and pears with Bordeaux at winter strength as soon as the tips show green as a preventive of scab. Vines under glass should be regularly attended to with regard to the stopping and training of the laterals. Plant out tomatoes in the warmer districts; nothing is gained by planting while <the weather is still cold. Shy-setting kinds of stone fruits are assisted if the tree is given a sake on a dry, sunny day? this will distribute the pollen.